As handcycling continues to grow in popularity, so too do the number and variety of handcycle models. Whether you’re looking for a casual ride, trying to break the land speed world record or exploring the latest trails, chances are there is a cycle out there designed to help you achieve that goal.
A good way to give the sport a try is to contact your local adaptive recreation programs to see if they have a cycling program and models you can try. Another good option is to check out your local SCI support group to see if they have an adaptive sports day.
Recreation/Touring Road Handcycles
Recreation/touring handcycles are great for those who want to ride on streets and bike paths whether for fun and exercise or long rides and multiday touring. If you can push a manual wheelchair, you can likely ride one of these handcycles, with the caveat that people with limited hand dexterity may need quad grips, which are offered as an option on some models or can be purchased through online vendors.
Freedom Ryder E1
The E1 offers a comfortable touring bike for great exercise and ‘E’ power to enable long distances and climbs, and a road bike with a single-chainring nine-speed cassette for easy shifting, combined with a torque-sensing motor that has five levels of assist. The E1 is great for getting and staying in shape and keeping up with nondisabled friends on longer rides. The E1 also has a thumb throttle for times when you need to start on a steep grade, or are just too exhausted to peddle but still need to get home. It is available in a quad version that gives full control for riders with limited hand dexterity.
“I love getting out and riding every day,” says Ben Berlliner, who is in his 4th year as a T5 complete para. He appreciates the E1’s customizability after starting out using an older used handcycle. “Hills and distance were a big challenge on my old handcycle. The E1 allows me to dial in the amount of assist I need to keep up with my [nondisabled] friends.” Berlliner says he also likes the adjustable headset that enables him to set the cranks at optimum position for shoulder comfort. “I love getting out and riding every day. My average ride is around 30-miles with 2,100 feet of climbing. It’s a great workout with no stress on my shoulders.” Available at freedomryder.com, $6,349.
TiArrow Kebnekaise
The Kebnekaise (Keb) has an adjustable angle back support and adjustable bottom bracket (where the peddle crank arms attach) for a custom fit. Designed to be ridden on the road, dirt or gravel trails, it has a single chainring with a 12-speed cassette for easy shifting and disc brakes. It comes in two sizes, standard and long. Weighing in at just under 30 pounds, it offers great riding performance and ease of transport in and out of a vehicle.
“I like the Keb because it is so light I can feel it accelerate; I can put body English into making it turn,” says Ryan Barnett, a T3 para and partner in TIArrow. Barnett likes the tight turning radius and how easy it is to transport. “It will fit into a standard bike bag or bike box, so it’s super easy to travel with.” Available at tiarrowusa.com, $11,050.
Top End Excelerator
The Excelerator is one of the last readily-available upright handcycles, ideal for riders with difficulty transferring and those interested in mellow rides around the neighborhood and local bike trails. It features an adjustable sliding seat and height bottom bracket for custom fit, an internal 7-speed hub for easy shifting and a reversing drum brake you simply back-peddle to slow or stop. It is available in multiple seat widths and has a weight limit of 350 pounds. Because it has a high center of gravity, suggested speeds are 15mph or below, especially when cornering, to avoid tipping over. Available at topendsportsllc.com/handcycles/recreational-handcycles, $4,999.
Maddiline Pro Evo
The Pro Evo is a high-performance, highly adjustable, recreational touring handcycle that is also good for beginning-to-intermediate racing. Available at bike-on.com/shop/p/maddiline-pro-evo, $10,900.
RACING HANDCYCLES
For those that feel the need for speed, covering very long distances, and the thrill of competition, a racing handcycle is the way to go. Because the user sits in an extreme recline position with a low center of gravity, they have great aerodynamics, and are very stable at high speeds and in high-speed cornering. “Recumbent racing handcycles are great for going fast and far,” says Matt Fritsch, 42, who is in his 22nd year as a T6 para.
Top End Force RX
The Force RX is a cross between a high-end road handcycle and an entry level racing bike. It is fully adjustable, made out of 6061-T6 Aluminum and has a carbon fiber backrest. There are multiple options available for the gearing and components.
Matt Fritsch loves his Top End Force RX but says it can be a challenge to transfer in and out of. “Also, although the extreme recline position is great for going fast and far, being low … isn’t very good for your view. I did the 72-mile ride around Lake Tahoe and my head was so low [that] if there was a guardrail, everybody else got to see amazing scenery, and all I got to see was the guardrail.” Available at topendsportsllc.com/top-end-force-rx-handcycle/, $9,999.
Carbonbike VENTO PRO by Top End Carbonbike USA
The VENTO PRO is an all-carbon fiber race handcycle that is custom measured and built to the rider’s exact specifications. It is a super light, high-performance bike with high-quality racing components. The VENTO PRO TETRA H1/H2 is the same as the VENTO PRO but with quad adaptations. Available at topendsportsllc.com/new-carbonbike-vento-pro, $25,950.
Maddiline Carbide 3
The Carbide 3 is a full carbon fiber, high-end custom-made racing handcycle. Available at maddiline.com/en/handbike/carbide3-en, $25,900.
GRAVEL HANDCYCLES
Gravel biking is the fastest growing part of the cycling industry and it is starting to take off in handcycling as well. “Part of this reason is there are no cars on places where you ride gravel trails,” says Ryan Barnett. A gravel handcycle is similar to a road handcycle, but built tougher and with treaded tires. A gravel bike requires the same amount of function as riding a recreation/touring handcycle. Since they excel on the road and on dirt and gravel trails, it opens up more terrain to riding.
TiArrow Gravel-S
The Gravel-S is a titanium-frame handcycle similar to TiArrow’s Kebnekaise, but with a slightly longer frame for stability at speed. It has an adjustable back support and adjustable bottom bracket for optimal fit, and weighs a mere 32 pounds. “To me it’s the best gravel racing bike by far. It’s super light and super strong. I put the Gravel-S through everything I could, going 40 mph downhill on washboard roads and it held up,” says Joe Pomeroy who has ridden the Gravel-S to victory in his class in the Gravel National Championship the last three years. Available at tiarrowusa.com, $11,050.
Lasher Sport ARC
The ARC (for All Road Cycle) is a magnesium-frame handcycle designed for urban and gravel riding. It features 6” of ground clearance to help get over curbs and obstacles. It has a 12-speed cassette and disc brakes. It is fully adjustable in depth and seat angles. Available at lashersport.com/arc/, $9,995.
Sport-On XRC Gravel
The XRC Gravel is an aluminum-frame handcycle designed for rugged gravel roads and forest paths. It comes with e-assist and options include an attachment for towing your wheelchair and custom quad grips. Available at bike-on.com/shop/p/sport-on-xcr-gravel, $10,595.
Off-Road Handcycles
Off-road handcycling has been around since the late ‘90s, but in the past 15 years the addition of e-assist has enabled the sport to grow by leaps and bounds because e-power enables much longer rides, riding up and down trails at mountain bike parks, and keeping up with nondisabled friends on mountain bike rides. If you can propel a manual chair and do transfers, you can probably ride one.
There are currently four types of popular off-road handcycle designs: Rear-wheel-drive forward-prone-kneeling body position, rear-wheel drive recumbent, front-wheel drive recumbent, and articulating. Articulating handcycles have front or rear wheels that articulate, meaning lean to the side, which allows the bike to lean into a turn or lean into an off-angle hill which provides a feeling and ability similar to an upright bicycle.
Rear-Wheel-Drive Forward-Prone-Kneeling
ReActive Adaptations Bomber and Hammerhead
The Bomber and Hammerhead are rear-wheel drive, forward-prone-kneeling body-position handcycles. Steering is accomplished via shifting weight on a chest pad while peddling or by handlebars when gliding. The prone position allows the rider to shift their body for balance in high-speed corners and challenging terrain, and rear-wheel drive provides excellent traction. Many riders (including this writer) find the riding position to be comfortable; others find it uncomfortable. Transferring can be a challenge and requires good hip and leg flexibility, and these bikes may not be compatible for those with limited arm or hand dexterity.
Both bikes have rear suspension. The Bomber has a rigid front end which is great for most riding. The Hammerhead has front suspension which smooths out bumps and rough terrain, but can be locked out when a rigid ride is preferred. Both bikes offer a wide variety of gearing options and the option of adding a Bafang 750-watt e-motor, so you can set the desired amount of assist for the terrain you are riding or to keep up with nondisabled riders or avoid shoulder strain, and still get a great workout. Available at reactiveadaptations.com, Bomber $11,950, Hammerhead $15,100. E-Assist adds an additional $2,500 to either handcycle.
Sport-On Explorer
The Explorer is a full suspension, rear-wheel drive, forward-prone-kneeling handcycle that has e-assist included in the price. Available at bike-on.com/shop/p/sport-on-explorer, $16,325.
Rear-Wheel Drive Recumbent
ReActive Adaptations Nuke and Mako
“I like the upright position of recumbents because it’s easier to watch the scenery and it is a better position to talk with people on a hike or ride,” says Brad Parks, who owns a Nuke and a Mako but. He got the Nuke, which has a rear suspension and rigid front, end so he could go hiking in the mountains with his wife, Wendy. “The e-assist enables me to keep up with recreational mountain bike riders.” He reports the Nuke is great for hiking and trail riding. For extreme terrain he prefers the Mako, which has rear- and front-suspension. “The Mako went over big rocky areas so easily, I bought one,” he says. The suspension helps keep the wheels on the ground on rough terrain. In addition, he likes the quick lockout on the front suspension for stability when riding on off-camber sections. The seat heights on the Nuke and Mako are only a few inches lower than his wheelchair, making for easy transfers. Both bikes have a quad grip option. Available at reactiveadaptations.com, Nuke $12,800, Mako $17,800. E-assist adds an additional $2,500 for either handcycle.
Sport-On Jeetrike
The Jeetrike has e-assist, full suspension and optional quad controls.
Available at bike-on.com/shop/p/sport-on-jeetrike, $18,495.
Front-Wheel Drive Recumbent
Lasher Sport ATH-FS and ATH-FSe
The ATH-FS is a full suspension, lightweight magnesium frame, front wheel drive handcycle and the ATH-FSe is the e-power version. Both bikes have a variety of options in shock and drive-train choice and have adjustable seat depth and backrest angle. They are also available with quad grips as an option.
“I got a fantastic price on a used ATH-FS, rode it for a while and then had a bike shop put an e-assist motor on it,” say Fritsch, who was a mountain biker prior to his injury. “Riding Lasher was life-changing. It felt fantastic to be back in the woods, on the dirt, in nature in a way that I would never be able to in a wheelchair. It was amazing.” He reports the independent rear suspension is plush and responsive and great for trails and cross-country. He says the limitations of the bike are that the front wheel loses traction on steep hills (above 10% incline) and loose dirt. Available at lashersport.com, ATH-FS $14,995, ATH-FSe $20,995.
Bowhead Rogue
The Rogue is a full suspension, front-wheel drive recumbent off-road handcycle with e-assist. Quad control options available. Available at bowheadcorp.com/bowhead-rogue, $13,999.
Maddiline CWX
The CWX is a rear suspension, front-wheel drive handcycle that is adjustable in height and length. Optional e-assist and optional quad grip and braking. Available at bike-on.com/shop/p/maddiline-cwx, $14,800.
Rear-Wheel Drive Recumbent Articulating
Bowhead Reach
The Bowhead Reach is a full suspension, all-electric — throttle, no peddles — recumbent rear-wheel-drive off-road bike that has an articulating front-end FLOW™ system which gives the bike the ability to lean into turns and/or off-camber hills similar to a bicycle.
“I was a mountain biker before my injury and I tried the Bowhead Reach. It felt like mountain biking again and allowed me to get creative on the trail and flow with the terrain. It feels par to being on two wheels,” says Joe Stone, who is in his 15th year as a C7 quad. “Because the bike is extremely capable in leaning, turning and power, you can also get yourself in more trouble,” he says, and explains there is a learning curve to riding the bike safely and to getting the most out of it. “When you build up your skills, the Reach is capable of tackling extreme technical terrain, and because it is only 28” wide [most off-road handcycles are 32”-35” wide] and the front-end articulates, it can go on single-track trails including off-camber side hills.” Available at bowheadcorp.com/bowhead-reach, $16,999.
Bowhead RX
The RX is a full suspension e-bike and has the same FLOW™ articulating front-end as the Reach, but with pedal-power as well. In addition, it has a motocross rear swing arm for extra suspension and has 12-speed electronic (no cables) shifting. Available at bowheadcorp.com/bowhead-rx, $17,999.
Bowhead Ranger
The Ranger is an all-terrain four-wheel e-powered articulating adaptive handcycle. It is designed for riders with limited balance and/or hand function to get out onto trails and explore the outdoors. Available at bowheadcorp.com/bowhead-ranger, $18,999.
Sport-On Quantum
The Quantum is a full suspension, front-wheel drive e-bike that has articulating rear wheels. Available at rollinginparadise.com/product-page/sport-on-quantum, $16,795.
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They look great, but all seem to me like they fail the ‘potty-test’ of being able to get you into an HP rest-room….
Heck yeah!!! Way to go Joe.